Second Chances
Post "The Disappearance of Jake" by KRZK
"Oh b'y" Jake groaned as the alarm went off at 6.45am. He'd barely been back in New Foundland a week and his ribs were still killing him but the paperwork had piled up while he was away and they money was getting low. Especially after he took into account all of the expenses of saving him from Becker. Money was one thing he couldn't afford to be short on at the moment, not with a baby on the way and Leslie to take care of. He knew his father would help out if he asked, but he wanted to do the right thing and handle this responsibility himself. Winter was still lingering in the air, and the sun hadn't even started to rise as he rolled over and checked his alarm hadn't disturbed Leslie. The springs in the pull out sofa creaked as his bodyweight shifted and he tried not to rock the bed too much. Even though he felt broken from top to toe, nothing in the world would have stopped him from taking every advantage of the precious moments he and Leslie had spent together these last 6 days. The thought of never seeing her again and leaving her behind had chilled him to the bone and he swore to himself that he would never take her for granted ever again.
"I'm up." She insisted still half asleep as she pulled the doona off her face with her eyes still closed. It was Leslie's first day back on the job as well and she knew it wouldn't sit well if she was late. Hood had been kind enough to cover for her so she could spend some time with Jake but as much as she wished for it to last forever, it had to end sometime.
"Wha you say we just ignore the alarm and hide under the blankets all day?" He grinned, clicking his tongue as if he just had the best brainwave ever. He wiped the hair from her eyes as she stretched her neck to look into his. Leslie reached up and played with the back of his hair before pulling him closer and kissing him good morning.
"Hmm" he replied, kissing her back. "You kiss all your boyfriends like this or just the lucky ones?"
"Jake?" She smiled, loosing herself inside of his sparkling blue eyes. One look and she could see his heart calling out for hers.
"Wha?" He smiled back. The way her cheeks dimpled when she smiled, the flirtatious look in her eyes. He would do anything for her when she looked at him like that.
"Shut up." She whispered before kissing him back. Her hormones were going wild and if she had her way she would spend every moment she could in bed with him.
"Yes ma'am." The alarm clock forgotten, Jake pulled her closer into his arms, gently positioned her below him and began caressing her silky skin as he ran his hand up and down her satin nightshirt. Letting out a deep breath, Leslie gave in. No one was getting to work on time today.
^^^^ 0o0 ^^^
"Hey, how's my favourite soon to be daughter in law and grandchild today?" Mal asked as he kissed Leslie good morning. Mal had bumped into the two of them as Jake was walking her to her car and he liked to tease Jake every chance he got. He knew Jake hadn't popped the question, but an old man could dream couldn't he?
"I'm fine. Thankyou Mal." She smiled. She knew Mal was going to make a fantastic grandparent to her child. She couldn't have picked a better person if she'd tried. She patted him on the arm then broke free to reach out for her car door.
"Jake steal the shower again?" He joked, noting the time and Jake's dishevelled appearance he knew she was running late, and how much she would be unhappy with herself for doing so.
"Something like that." Jake held the door open while she stepped into the drives side seat. Jake shut the door carefully then Leslie wound down the window to kiss him goodbye.
"Take it easy." He whispered to her. "I'll keep my cell on in case you need anything."
"Stop worrying would ya. I'm fine." She loved that he cared and she kissed him one last time.
"I know." He smiled as she started the car and drove off.
"First day back at work?" Mal asked, as if he didn't know.
"Yeah." Jake replied, still watching her drive away.
"Come on son, she'll be fine."
"I know it's just…"
"Your stomach's in knots at the thought of not keeping her in sight in case something happens?"
"You could say that."
"You'll get use to it."
"How long does it last?"
"About 18 to 20 years… unless your son is a giant douche bag and in that case, never."
"Very funny old man." Jake put his game face on and the two of them headed back into the office.
"My god Jake. It looks like a bomb went off in here."
"Just help me clean up would ya."
"First you go and take a shower. You look a mess and the clients will be here in 30 minutes."
"Yeah. That may be a good idea." Jake said looking at his crinkled shirt and feeling the overgrown hairs on his chin.
^^^^ 0o0 ^^^
Jake poured Mrs Kingston a glass of water as Mr Kingston answered Mal's questions. They had asked to see them after their daughter Kelly had gone missing two weeks ago. The police had asked around and they had followed up every lead they had but because she was over 18 there wasn't much anyone could do. Mrs Kingston was in her early 40s, blond hair and brown eyes. She was nicely dressed, navy suit with a white blouse to match, but she looked out of place. She didn't have the air of arrogance that people born into money had. Mr Kingston on the other hand sat tall and proud. Neatly pressed suit, sharp tie, obviously he was the keeper of the money in that family. He seemed the strong stern type who believed in corporal punishment and tough love, still, there was a vulnerability to him hidden just under the surface. Something told Jake he truly did care about his daughter's wellbeing, even if he had trouble showing it.
"Here's a picture of her on her 18th birthday last June." Her mother sobbed as she handed it over. "She seemed so happy."
"I'm sure she was." Jake nodded affirmatively as he took the photo.
"The police won't take the case because she's over 18,but I know something is wrong."
"Has she done this before?"
"Once or twice, but she always made contact eventually. It's been 6 weeks. Her bank account hasn't been touched and none of her friends have heard from her, or so they say."
"I can understand what it's like. I have 3 children of my own, and believe me they weren't any angels."
"Look Mr Doyle." Her father began, his voice firm but hesitant, "I don't care what trouble she's in, I just want to know that she is all right."
"If she here in Newfoundland, we'll find her. You have our word."
"Thank you." Mr Kingston escorted Mrs Kingston out of the office as Jake looked at the photo and tried to imaging what would be going through the mind of an 18 year old runaway.
